Dr. Dodde has changed my life! I no longer hide from my mirrors. I went to several consultations before choosing Dr. Dodde and have never regretted it. If you are looking for a gifted surgeon who provides a caring, confidential environment, look no further!

- Jane - Facelift

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Facelift

Grand Rapids, Holland, Saugatuck, MI

A facelift, also known as a Rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that effectively eliminates the presence of sagging and wrinkled facial skin. In most instances, a facelift gives the person’s face an invigorated and youthful appearance. Often times, a facelift is performed along with a forehead lift, neck lift, and in some cases, nose reshaping.

Reasons Why People Obtain Facelifts

As a person gets older, their facial skin has a tendency to sag and become wrinkled. To counteract the effects of the aging process, some people decide to obtain a facelift. However, it is important to note that other lifestyle factors can contribute to sagging skin. Some of the lifestyle choices that contribute to premature wrinkles and skin sagging include smoking, obesity, drug abuse, and poor diets. Even people that are in optimum physical condition can experience sagging and wrinkles due to genetics. A facelift will dramatically reduce the visible signs of aging in an overwhelming majority of patients.

How is a Facelift Performed?

Most facelift procedures in Holland are performed when the patient is sedated by local anesthesia or general anesthesia. The patient will have a few procedural options that can be decided on in their initial consultation with Dr. Dodde. For example, some may wish to target their lower facial areas such as their jowls, jaw, and neck, where others may desire more improvement to the midface, including the forehead. In most cases, the surgeon will make an incision near the hairline that extends to the lower scalp. During a facelift, the surgeon may also remove any excess fat from underneath the skin. Any loose skin will be tightened to reduce any sagging that is present. The surgeon will complete the facelift procedure by using small sutures to close the incision.

Results and Recovery

Following your facelift, you should expect up to two weeks of necessary downtime. As the incisions are placed along the hairline, they can commonly be hidden by your hair and fade over time. It is important to avoid exercising and strenuous activity for up to six weeks prior to your procedure. It may take a year before your scar is fully healed, but by avoiding direct sunlight and taking care of your wounds as directed, you may be happier with the final appearance of the scarring. Depending on your procedure, results may last from five to ten years.

Potential Risks

Some of the potential risks involved in a facelift procedure include bleeding, infection, and minor nerve damage. There is also a potential risk for excess fluid to build up under the skin. Some people may experience an unevenness of the face. Dr. Dodde will answer any questions you may have and discuss the potential risks involved during your consultation.